retrovirus
Retrovirus (noun) means a type of virus that copies its genetic material into the DNA of the cells it infects, permanently altering them. Example: “HIV is the best-known example of a retrovirus.”
How to use retrovirus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA virus that writes itself into a cell's own DNA rather than just replicating alongside it.
Word forms
retroviruses plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
HIV is the best-known example of a _____.
Etymology
From retro- ("backward") + virus, named for its reversed direction of genetic replication.
Rhymes for retrovirus
See all rhymes for retrovirus →Frequently asked questions
What does “retrovirus” mean?
The word “retrovirus” means a type of virus that copies its genetic material into the DNA of the cells it infects, permanently altering them. In plain terms, a virus that writes itself into a cell's own DNA rather than just replicating alongside it.
How do you use “retrovirus” in a sentence?
Here is “retrovirus” used in a sentence: “HIV is the best-known example of a retrovirus.”
What part of speech is “retrovirus”?
“Retrovirus” is a noun.
What is the meaning of retrovirus?
"retrovirus" (noun) means a type of virus that copies its genetic material into the DNA of the cells it infects, permanently altering them.